Many countries in South America are destinations for tourists who are intending to commit paedo-sexual offences. While the destination countries are mainly in South America, the USA and Canada are the main countries of origin of perpetrators. This is primarily due to the differences in standards of living. Although not primarily connected to tourism, there is also sexual exploitation of children in North America. UNICEF estimates that there are as many as 300 000 under-age prostitutes in the United States.

If you witness a case of child abuse by tourists while you are on holiday abroad you should report this to the tour organiser, the tour guide, and/or the hotel manager. Your embassy and local representatives of non-government organisations also follow up cases reported to them. Mexico, the USA and Canada operate the ex-territorial principle under which perpetrators can be tried in their home country.

Click to the left of the country in the list that you would like to know more about. The glossary can help if there are any terms you don't understand.